GUISELEY boss Adam Lockwood has called on his side to be ‘smarter’ heading into Saturday’s National League clash with Chester.

The Lions are back at Nethermoor following Tuesday evening’s 1-1 draw at fellow strugglers York City.

Jake Cassidy was the hero on that occasion, netting his side’s late leveller at Bootham Crescent to keep the Minstermen firmly below 22nd-placed Guiseley on goal difference.

But with four points still separating Lockwood’s men from safety, the manager insists his team must up their performance levels if they are to beat play-off chasing Chester this weekend.

“Saturday is another difficult test, as was Tuesday night,” he remarked.

“They’re all difficult tests in this league and I’ve said since the day I took over that if we’re not right ourselves then we’re in for a tough afternoon or night.

“That was the same on Tuesday when I don’t think we were right – whether that was down to me and the management team, the players individually or players as a team and how they motivate each other when they go over that white line.

“The lads know and hold their hands up to that. We’re all quite honest with each other – me and Dave (Penney) as well."

Tuesday's point at York appeared, on the face of it, to be a handy result for the Lions, but Lockwood was more concerned with the overall performance ahead of a testing festive period.

“I don’t think it was for the lack of trying," he added. "I just think it’s about being a bit smarter and that’s what I was disappointed about.

“When we did have a chance to show how good we are we didn’t do it. From our point-of-view and our standards that we’re setting, we will well, well below par.

“We went into the game full of confidence and, yes we scored, but I’ve lost a bit of confidence in terms of that side of things.

“I think we have to do more, so we’ll be working on things and the lads will be working on things individually to get themselves right for the next game."

While remaining critical of his players, Lockwood also insists Guiseley's survival battle is most definitely a case of collective responsibility.

“It’s a team effort, a club effort and a joint effort, and that will continue right to the end," he confirmed.

“We’ll all work together, we’ll all try and improve ourselves – me and Dave included – and we’ll see where we go."